Beer Nog

A unique twist on a holiday favorite, Beer Nog will work best with a strong ale (barleywine, Belgian strong, Christmas beer, or otherwise) to add a welcome flavor dimension to the classic holiday tipple, while carbonation lightens the thick, noggy texture.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

4 fresh eggs

½ cup sugar

1½ cups whole milk

1 cup cream

2 dashes ground nutmeg or mace

4 ounces strong ale

½ ounce Bourbon or dark rum

Instructions:

• Separate the eggs. Beat the sugar into the yolks until smooth.

• Stir the milk and cream into the yolk mixture. Add 1 dash of spice and the whiskey or rum. (Some recipes call for as much as 4 ounces of liquor; here, a bit of warmth is welcome, but too much can overwhelm the beer’s flavor.)